Caravan insurance battle over Storm Frank destruction

Mobile Homes Insurance Service is refusing to compensate 19 caravan owners in Ballater.

Caravan owners are still fighting for compensation six months after devastating floods caused by Storm Frank.

Mobile Homes Insurance Service (MHIS) is refusing to pay out on the grounds that the damage at Ballater Caravan Park was the result of flooding.

But 19 caravan owners, most of whom are represented by MHIS, claim they are not being treated fairly and say the destruction should be considered storm damage.

Elaine Rennie said: "Some insurers are paying out under storm damage but our insurer is saying it was flooding and isn't prepared to look at what other providers are paying out for."

Ballater was among the areas worst hit by storms over Christmas and New Year which swept away roads and destroyed houses.

Right Claim UK's Neil Forbes said: "It's a scandalous situation. Our argument is that the cause of the incident was Storm Frank. We're very hopeful about succeeding in the claims."

Mobile Homes Insurance Service said the clause relating to flooding was brought to the attention of policyholders.

A spokesman said: "It should be noted that each policyholder willingly accepted the cover on the basis that any flood damage would not be covered.

"All the policies ... exclude any cover for damage caused by flood whether or not this is as a result of storm.

"This exclusion was brought to the attention of every policyholder when they purchased their policy."

Alastair Ross from the Association of British Insurers said: "Insurance companies need to make sure people understand the products they're selling them and for their part people really need to understand what they're buying into."

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